In the Spotlight: Dan Summers

Company Name: Panasonic Business

Job Title: Partner Account Manager

LinkedIn Profile:

What attracted you to the AIIM Forum UK event?

Panasonic has exhibited at AIIM before and we find that year on year it is beneficial for us to talk to clients and customers about what their needs are in the information industry. The event gives a chance to have a great focus group for future products and services, as well as a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our updated products.

Where do you see the Information Management industry heading over the next few years?

The new European GDPR regulation is the next big challenge for businesses that will shape the information management industry over the next few years. The new law will have major implications for all sectors regarding the way data is collected, stored and accessed. We expect to see more companies putting in place comprehensive information management systems and processes.

When you think about the industry, what keeps you awake at night?

I am a pretty heavy sleeper, however if I had to pick one issue that would keep we awake at any point it would be the vast amount of documents in an almost infinite amount of places. Thinking of how we work with our partners to implement a Document Management System to tackle this is the only thing that will get me back to sleep.

If you have been to the AIIM Forum UK event before, what was your highlight?

Sometimes it can be difficult to get away from your stand, but on the occasions you get to slip away, there is some interesting things to be found. A talking robot was probably the most interesting. However the biggest highlight for me was being able to socialise readily with companies and customers alike.

What do you feel is the most pressing pain point of end-users in the industry for 2018?

GDPR! What is it? What do we have to do? How do we make sure we are compliant?

What has helped shape your career, and how?

Colleagues, friends and family alike. It is impossible to name any few individuals as a multitude of people have helped shape my career over the years. However Panasonic and its fantastic employees have enabled me to reach the place I am today. Thank you to everyone thus far.

What do you do to switch off from work?

After a long day of work, nothing quite relaxes you as much as a nice walk around the park with your dog. Unless it’s raining or snowing in which case a snuggle on the sofa will do. If I am not walking Percy, my lovely new cockapoo puppy, you’ll often find me fishing down the local river. Sometimes I think it’s more relaxing when you catch nothing and take joy out of the day you’ve had.